Ride the fastest roller coaster in the country, float down a lazy river, learn about dinosaurs and race your kids in Canada’s Wonderland.
Opened in 1981, the wonderland now has more than 200 attractions that are enjoyed by three million people a year. The 330-acre (130-hectare) park is divided into eight zones: Action Zone, International Festival, International Street, KidZville, Medieval Faire, Planet Snoopy, Splash Works and White Water Canyon.
Try one of the 16 roller coasters for a thrilling experience. Drop down the park’s centerpiece mountain and swing low over the river in Vortex, a suspended roller coaster. Be brave and step aboard the Leviathan. At 306 feet (93 metres) high, it is Canada’s tallest roller coaster. With a top speed of 92 miles (148 kilometres) per hour, it is also the country’s fastest roller coaster. There are also milder rides too, for those so inclined.Take young children to Planet Snoopy, with Joe Cool’s Dodgem School and Peanuts 500 race track. Families can have fun together on the Timberwolf Falls log flume and Antique Carousel.
The Splash Works water park is included in your ticket. Rent a locker to keep your belongings dry while you relax on the Lazy River or ride the body flumes and water slides. Its large open-air wave pool, White Water Bay, is a hit with teenagers. Opt to pay extra to enter Dinosaurs Alive! and watch Tyrannosaurus Rex fight Triceratops in a prehistoric setting.
Go to the suburb of Vaughan, a 40-minute drive north of downtown Toronto, to reach the wonderland. It has a huge parking lot, but the fee is somewhat high. The Wonderland Express bus can pick you up from the York Mills or Yorkdale bus terminal.
Canada’s Wonderland is open daily from mid-May to August, but weekends only in September and October. Note that Splash Works operates only from June to August. The general admission price is high, so buy tickets online to save money. For an additional fee, get a special Fast Lane pass to skip the lines in front of selected rides and attractions.